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'American Idol' delivers surprising results ahead of finale, tour
Following a results-show shocker last night (5/16), FOX-TV's "American Idol" is gearing up for its finale next week and is one step closer to launching the American Idols Live tour.
Of the top three contestants on the reality show, 29-year-old backup vocalist Melinda Doolittle was considered, by all accounts, to be the hands-down best singer. But the television audience voted her off last night, leaving 17-year-old beauty Jordin Sparks to duke it out next week with 25-year-old beatboxer Blake Lewis .
Outspoken judge Simon Cowell, who has backed Doolittle throughout the contest, hung his head in his hands upon hearing the news.
"Congratulations to you," Cowell told the ousted contestant. "You are one heck of a singer."
Judge Paula Abdul added, "You already have made it," which could certainly be the case, judging by the success of former "American Idol" viewer-rejects like Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken.
Fans can take heart in knowing that this isn't the last time they'll see Doolittle in conjunction with "American Idol"; she'll join the top 10 finalists this summer on the American Idols Live tour, which is set to kick off July 6 in Sunrise, FL, and visit 55 cities in the US as well as Toronto. Dates are listed below. Ticket sales start this Saturday (5/19).
In addition to Doolittle, Sparks and Lewis, this season's top 10 is rounded out by previously eliminated contestants LaKisha Jones, Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson, Sanjaya Malakar, Haley Scarnato, Gina Glocksen and Chris Sligh.
Last year's American Idols Live tour, which featured winner Taylor Hicks, swelled to 60 dates when strong ticket sales prompted additional nights in several cities.
